Pitt at Jax – In a rematch of last year’s AFC wild-card game that the Jags won 31-29 in Pittsburgh, the Steelers will try to repay the favor and take it to the Jags in sunny Florida.That will be quite a challenge with a depleted running game and questionable ‘O’ line. Running backs Willie Parker is out with a knee and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall is out for the season. The Jaguars sacked Big Ben six times and picked him off three in that 31-29 game. Things to watch for: Big Ben running for his life. The Jag cheerleaders who are some of the hottest in the league.
Oakland Bye Week – Since Raiders owner Al Davis fired Coach Lane Kiffin, the two are locked into a soap-opera style dispute over the remainder of Kiffen’s $3.5 million salary.
Davis referred to Kiffin as a “flat-out liar” and accused him of “disgracing the organization.” Kiffin responded by saying he was “hurt and saddened” by what he heard from Davis, saying he was “kind of embarrassed for Davis, to be honest with you.”
Davis is also accused of denying Kiffin the opportunity to say good-bye and hold a final meeting with his players. Things to watch for: Kiffin getting the money he’s owed and Davis continuing to make himself look like a senile old bastard.
Chicago at Detroit – Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris is suspended for today’s Norris 
Division match-up against the 0-3 Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit. Harris was docked by the team for showing up late for rehab and a meeting earlier in the week. Harris, who sat out practice this week due to an injury wasn’t expected to play anyways.
Chicago players, Tillman, Vasher and Booker also did not practice most of the week due to injuries and it is unclear which of these players will be on the field against the cowardly Lions.
As Lions fans continue their raucous celebration of GM Matt Millen’s ouster to the tune of ‘Ding dong, the witch is dead’, could this be the upset of the week?
With Millen gone, Joe Barry, defensive coordinator and son-in-law of Coach Ron Marinelli, may begin to get more attention from lynch-mobbing Lions fans if his defense gives up another quick 21 points at the start of the game. Thing to watch for: Freshly painted “Fire Barry” Signs in the stands and ‘Fire Millen” T-shirts specials outside the stadium for 70% off.
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